Friday, July 10

Preview: Meng's new Leopard 2 is made up & ready to pounce..

MENG have sent us pictures of
the built up kit# TS-016 - the German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A4 plastic model kit in
1/35th scale. This is a replica of the fifth batch vehicle. You can
also build a Leopard 2 A4 of the sixth, seventh or eighth batch with parts in
the kit so let’s look at what must be a popular subject around the traps today.…

German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A4

Meng Models

1/35th scale

Kit no #TS-016

MENG released TS-007 German
Main Battle Tank Leopard 1 A3/A4 and TS-015 German Main Battle Tank Leopard 1
A5 plastic model kit in 2013 and 2014. The Leopard 1 tank developed in 1960s
was the first generation tank of Germany after WWII. It once was the standard
equipment of the European armies.

However, the German Leopard 1
tank was inferior to the Soviet T-62 tank. So Germany quickly started the
development of their new tank. It cost them much money and time to work with
the United States on the MBT-70/ KPz70 program which failed at last. In 1970s,
Germany successfully developed Leopard 2 MBT on its own. The tank got through
several modifications. Military enthusiasts call these versions Leopard 2 A1,
Leopard 2 A2 and Leopard 2 A3, but the German military still designated them as
Leopard 2. It was in 1985 that the fifth batch of Leopard 2 tanks were
officially designated as Leopard 2 A4. Germany finished the production of all
eight batches of Leopard 2s in 1992 and the first four batches were gradually
upgraded to Leopard 2 A4.

The combat weight of the
Leopard 2 A4 MBT is 55t. It’s powered by a 1500hp MTU MB873 diesel engine. Its
maximum speed is up to 72km/h. It’s fitted with a Rheinmetall 120mm L/44
smoothbore gun. It adopted a digital fire control computer incorporating with
the design of simulator interface for training. It’s fitted with an automated
fire and explosion suppression system. It changed the sight cover and
antiaircraft machine gun’s mount, and relocated the return rollers.

Leopard 2 is universally
recognized as one of the best and most balanced main battle tanks today. It is
the major equipment of 16 countries in the world. Undoubtedly it’s very popular
among modellers. MENG’s brand new TS-016 German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A4
plastic model kit is a replica of Leopard 2 A4 of the fifth batch. It
realistically represents the most famous German MBT. You can also build a
Leopard 2 A4 of the sixth, seventh or eighth batch with parts in the kit.

German Leopard tanks have existed for over half
a century and their legend will continue. We, modellers, can keep this legend
forever by modelling them.

How does this model of the mighty Leopard 2 A4
MBT look like? Let’s see the pictures - first the CAD drawings with feature set.

This kit represents a replica of the fifth batch
vehicle.

Separate engine deck.

Details inside the side skirts are represented;
side skirts can be built in the rail transport option.

Realistic mirror film is provided for the rear
view mirror.

There are rich details on the EMES15 gunner’s
primary sight; hatches can be built open or closed.

This 1/35 scale German Main Battle Tank Leopard 2 A4 plastic
model kit precisely represents the exterior features of a fifth batch tank.
Options of tanks of different batches are available with optional parts in the
kit. Side skirts can be built in the rail transport option. Easy-to-assemble
cement-free workable tracks and movable suspension are provided. Clear lights,
periscopes and optical equipment are provided. Precision PE parts and mirror
film are included.

Length: 275.5mm
Width: 108mm

A Detailed And Mighty German MBT Is Realistically
Represented.

There’s Visible And Realistic Anti-Slip Coating On The Front
Hull.

Exteriors Of The Typical Leopard Turret Are Accurately
Reproduced. Weld Lines Are Also Perfectly Replicated.

The Gun Shooting Simulator Is Very Detailed. Its Wire And
Indicator Light Are Precisely Reproduced.

With The Mirror Film, The Rearview Mirror Looks More
Realistic.

Engine Grilles Featured By Double Layers Of PE Parts Are
More Realistic.

Side Skirts Can Be Built In The Raised Or Lowered Position.

Cement-Free Workable Double-Pin Tracks Are Easy To Assemble;
The Workable Tracks And Movable Suspension Make The Model More Interesting.